Reason 15 - Naturalistic Worldview
“Atheists who adopt a naturalistic worldview believe that everything in existence can be explained through natural laws and processes. They argue that invoking supernatural explanations for phenomena adds unnecessary complexity without providing tangible answers.”
Who made the “natural laws”. Where did they come from? What are they? Marcus Cicero, Roman orator, philosopher & politician, said they came from the gods; Greek philosopher Aristotle gave a more complete response saying that “natural laws support a virtuous existence, which advanced the lives of individuals and promoted a ‘perfect community’. He proposed that people should employ practical wisdom or active reasoning in order to behave in a way that is consistent with a virtuous existence.”
To St. Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Dominican friar natural law “was ‘nothing else than an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by him who has care of the community’. Aquinas elaborated on the concept of Human Law by reference to his understanding of Eternal Law, Natural Law and Divine Law. For Aquinas, Eternal Law was the divine and rational model according to which God created the world; this model provided the foundation for Aquinas’ three other types of law.”
Thru the years various philosophers & theologians spoke of the theory of Natural Law. Atheists don’t see God in Natural Law. Some who came up with the theory believed God was involved, others, such as Greek philosophers Socrates & Plato, did not. No doubt they were invoking the evolving of man in that he was civilized and projected to become more so as time went on.
So all these great men thought of this natural law all on their own? A set of moral and ethical standards to live by, thus providing a safe, peaceful environment in which all men could live. Hmm. Sounds like heaven.
(The Apostle) “Paul spoke of natural law in Romans 2:14-15: ‘For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them.’ God made His law evident in the hearts of all mankind. But, because we live in a fallen world with a sin nature, we are incapable of completely knowing what God’s law is, and we cannot follow it (Romans 7:14-25). Therefore, God gave us His revealed law, inspiring the prophets and the writers of the Bible to explain how to live according to the natural law that we catch glimpses of, but can never really grasp.” [1]
Atheists cling to the theory of Natural Law minus God’s involvement. Didn’t there need to be some standard that they drew from. Living life according to “Natural Law”, is essentially what Almighty God wishes us to do as well. However, following the Natural Law doesn’t erase sin. It doesn’t remove the existence of evil. Following its theory, which I actually have no issue with, is all well and good and a noble and responsible way to live, but this theory will not remove one’s sin. That is the burning issue that frankly most other “religions” do not deal with. Unless there is NO EVIL, there is sin. We are not born with a perfect understanding of how to live, we learn it from those who have the most influence over us from birth. We acquire knowledge from (hopefully) trustworthy sources. Some allow the influence of “religion” to mold them, others seek out something that seems more reliable and less “restrictive” to them. Perhaps following Natural Law will lead a person to God after all. That is man’s choice. Choose which path in life to take and live with the consequences. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: An article titled 30 Reasons People Choose Atheism on a blog called Housley - written by Lisa O.; www.gotquestions.org
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